UH's Three Continents Studio Continuing Coastal Conversations

Beautiful
coastlines are always a sight to behold. These areas are no doubt relaxing and
attractive, but they often carry a variety of risks attributed to severe
weather, climate change and commercial development.

Several
researchers from UH’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture have long focused
their attentions on the Texas coast. Now, they’re exchanging ideas with
similar-minded scientists, researchers, designers and architects from across
the globe.

The Three
Continents Studio connects UH’s architecture faculty with peers from Argentina,
the Netherlands and Louisiana. From June 10 – 16, studio participants will head
to Houston for lectures, workshops, tours and other activities.

The Three
Continents Studio is a yearlong partnership between the College of Architecture
and researchers from Tulane University, University of Buenos Aires and
Technical University, Delft. This fall, UH will host an exhibition illustrating
the studio’s research, as well as proposed solutions for at-risk coastal areas.

“The
outcome of this partnership will have an impact on our city,” said Thomas Colbert,
UH architecture professor. “This area clearly has problems with flooding, urban
and industrial growth, and major weather threats such as hurricanes. Working
with partners allows us to gain new perspectives in addressing these issues and
develop prospective solutions to challenges facing the Houston-Galveston area.”

Colbert
is among the hosts of this week’s studio activities. He is working alongside
Patricia Oliver, dean of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and
professor Peter Zweig. They will join the visiting dignitaries as they engage
in workshops, lectures and tours (on land and sea) of Houston and Galveston.
Lecturers include internationally renowned architects and experts Kulapat Yantrasast (whY Architecture), Nikki Brand
(T.U., Delft), Stephen Fox (University of Houston) and Jeff Carney (L.S.U., Coastal
Sustainability Studio).

Last
year, the studio kicked off at UH with the symposium “Dynamic Equilibrium at
the Water’s Edge,” which focused on how coastal communities can be protected against
storms and other threats. This fall, UH will host an exhibition illustrating
the studio’s research, as well as proposed solutions for at-risk coastal areas.

The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture
offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of disciplines including
architecture, space architecture, interior architecture and industrial design.
Faculty members include esteemed professionals in the architectural community,
as well as award-winning academic veterans. Facilities include studio spaces,
the new Materials Research Collaborative, computer labs and the Burdette
Keeland Jr. Design Exploration Center. To learn more about the college, visit http://www.arch.uh.edu/.